Spence, William, House
308 S. Thompson St., Carson City (Independent City), NVThe William Spence House is an architecturally significant dwelling representative of transitional designs common to Carson City, Nevada, in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. The building is also significant for its association with the early residential development of Carson City.
The Spence House was constructed in 1875 by William Mortimer Spence, a cabinetmaker and piano wright who was born in London in 1822. Spence and his wife, Penelope, emigrated to the United States in 1860. Initally settling in Wisconsin, the Spences moved west to Carson City in 1873. William Spence secured employment with the Virginia & Truckee Railroad at their round house in Carson where he rose to the position of car builder.
Although Spence deeded the Thompson Street dwelling to his four children in 1920, he retained residence in the structure until his death in 1924. Bertha Spence Collins gained control of the property and its furnishings from the remaining Spence heirs in 1925. The dwelling remained in the Collins family until 1955, at which time the house and furnishings passed to John Meegen and his wife, Harriet. Under the Meegan ownership improvements were made to the building's mechanical systems. The Spence House remains a single-family residence as of 1984.
The William Spence House is an intact example of local transitional design incorporating a simplified Greek Revival form with Italianate detailing. This integration of earlier stylistic forms with later, elaborate ornamentation is indicative of Carson City architectural development in the late nineteenth century and is most commonly found in residential structures whose designs reflect a survivalist architectural vocabulary in terms of massing, scale, proportion and plan. These forms are commonly embellished by elaborate, often standardized, architectural and ornamental components. The Spence House exhibits this later phenomenon in its elaborate entrance treatment and the application of the slightly over scaled, east elevation bay.
The Spence House is also associated with the residential development of southwest Carson City in period of construction, building orientation and division of site into primary residential area and rear service area. Evidence of this primary and secondary lot division can be seen in the location of dwelling and barn.
Local significance of the building:
The Spence House was constructed in 1875 by William Mortimer Spence, a cabinetmaker and piano wright who was born in London in 1822. Spence and his wife, Penelope, emigrated to the United States in 1860. Initally settling in Wisconsin, the Spences moved west to Carson City in 1873. William Spence secured employment with the Virginia & Truckee Railroad at their round house in Carson where he rose to the position of car builder.
Although Spence deeded the Thompson Street dwelling to his four children in 1920, he retained residence in the structure until his death in 1924. Bertha Spence Collins gained control of the property and its furnishings from the remaining Spence heirs in 1925. The dwelling remained in the Collins family until 1955, at which time the house and furnishings passed to John Meegen and his wife, Harriet. Under the Meegan ownership improvements were made to the building's mechanical systems. The Spence House remains a single-family residence as of 1984.
The William Spence House is an intact example of local transitional design incorporating a simplified Greek Revival form with Italianate detailing. This integration of earlier stylistic forms with later, elaborate ornamentation is indicative of Carson City architectural development in the late nineteenth century and is most commonly found in residential structures whose designs reflect a survivalist architectural vocabulary in terms of massing, scale, proportion and plan. These forms are commonly embellished by elaborate, often standardized, architectural and ornamental components. The Spence House exhibits this later phenomenon in its elaborate entrance treatment and the application of the slightly over scaled, east elevation bay.
The Spence House is also associated with the residential development of southwest Carson City in period of construction, building orientation and division of site into primary residential area and rear service area. Evidence of this primary and secondary lot division can be seen in the location of dwelling and barn.
Exploration/settlement; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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Nevada was once home to a secret U.S. government site: Area 51, a top-secret U.S. government site that has long been the subject of conspiracy theories, is located in Nevada.
About Carson City
Carson City Timeline
Carson City County, located in the western part of Nevada, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Washoe and Paiute before the arrival of European settlers. In the mid-1800s, the discovery of the Comstock Lode, a rich vein of silver and gold, transformed the region and laid the foundation for the future development of Carson City.
In 1858, the settlement that would become Carson City was established as a trading post and named after the famous frontiersman Kit Carson. The town quickly grew as people flocked to the area to seek their fortunes in mining. In 1861, the Nevada Territory was formed, and Carson City became its capital. This fueled further growth as government offices and services were established in the town.
Carson City played a crucial role during the American Civil War. It served as a supply and transportation hub for Union soldiers, as well as a base for operations against Native American tribes. The Pony Express, a fast mail delivery service, also had a stop in Carson City, making it an important communication link during this time.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Carson City continued to thrive. The economy diversified beyond mining, with the establishment of industries such as agriculture, logging, and manufacturing. Today, Carson City is known for its vibrant downtown area, historic buildings, and outdoor recreational opportunities, attracting visitors from all over.
In summary, Carson City County has a history rooted in mining and its pivotal role in Nevada's political landscape. From its humble beginnings as a trading post to becoming the state capital, the county has experienced significant growth and transformation over the years, solidifying its place in the history of the American West.
In 1858, the settlement that would become Carson City was established as a trading post and named after the famous frontiersman Kit Carson. The town quickly grew as people flocked to the area to seek their fortunes in mining. In 1861, the Nevada Territory was formed, and Carson City became its capital. This fueled further growth as government offices and services were established in the town.
Carson City played a crucial role during the American Civil War. It served as a supply and transportation hub for Union soldiers, as well as a base for operations against Native American tribes. The Pony Express, a fast mail delivery service, also had a stop in Carson City, making it an important communication link during this time.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Carson City continued to thrive. The economy diversified beyond mining, with the establishment of industries such as agriculture, logging, and manufacturing. Today, Carson City is known for its vibrant downtown area, historic buildings, and outdoor recreational opportunities, attracting visitors from all over.
In summary, Carson City County has a history rooted in mining and its pivotal role in Nevada's political landscape. From its humble beginnings as a trading post to becoming the state capital, the county has experienced significant growth and transformation over the years, solidifying its place in the history of the American West.
Carson City Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Carson City , Nevada.
- 1851 - Carson County is established as one of the original nine counties in the Utah Territory.
- 1854 - The county is renamed Ormsby County after Major William M. Ormsby, a prominent figure in the region.
- 1861 - Ormsby County becomes part of the newly established Nevada Territory.
- 1864 - Nevada is admitted as the 36th state in the United States, and Ormsby County becomes Carson County in honor of Kit Carson, the legendary explorer and frontiersman.
- 1969 - Carson County is consolidated with Ormsby County to form Carson City, an independent city-county.
- 1971 - The Consolidated Municipality of Carson City is officially recognized as the state capital of Nevada.